Patents by Inventor Craig A. Charlton
Craig A. Charlton has filed for patents to protect the following inventions. This listing includes patent applications that are pending as well as patents that have already been granted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).
-
Patent number: 11370563Abstract: A method includes making a first structure with a first plurality of pre-drilled holes at pre-defined locations, making a second structure with a second plurality of pre-drilled holes at pre-defined locations, making a third structure without pre-drilled full-size holes, measuring the location and orientation of the first and second plurality of pre-drilled holes in the first and second structures, determining the location of a third plurality of holes to be drilled in the third structure that correspond to first and second plurality of pre-drilled holes measured in the first and second structures, creating a program to drill the third plurality of holes in the third structure that align with the measured location and orientation of the first and second plurality of pre-drilled holes in the first and second structures based on the measure location and orientation of the first and second plurality of pre-drilled holes in the first and second structure, drilling the third plurality of holes in the third structuType: GrantFiled: January 15, 2021Date of Patent: June 28, 2022Assignee: The Boeing CompanyInventors: Craig A. Charlton, Branko Lakic, Jerald A. Hull, Christopher A. Greer, Justin H. Pratt
-
Publication number: 20210130010Abstract: A method includes making a first structure with a first plurality of pre-drilled holes at pre-defined locations, making a second structure with a second plurality of pre-drilled holes at pre-defined locations, making a third structure without pre-drilled full-size holes, measuring the location and orientation of the first and second plurality of pre-drilled holes in the first and second structures, determining the location of a third plurality of holes to be drilled in the third structure that correspond to first and second plurality of pre-drilled holes measured in the first and second structures, creating a program to drill the third plurality of holes in the third structure that align with the measured location and orientation of the first and second plurality of pre-drilled holes in the first and second structures based on the measure location and orientation of the first and second plurality of pre-drilled holes in the first and second structure, drilling the third plurality of holes in the third structuType: ApplicationFiled: January 15, 2021Publication date: May 6, 2021Applicant: The Boeing CompanyInventors: Craig A. Charlton, Branko Lakic, Jerald A. Hull, Christopher A. Greer, Justin H. Pratt
-
Patent number: 10934020Abstract: A method includes making a first structure with a first plurality of pre-drilled holes at pre-defined locations, making a second structure with a second plurality of pre-drilled holes at pre-defined locations, making a third structure without pre-drilled full-size holes, measuring the location and orientation of the first and second plurality of pre-drilled holes in the first and second structures, determining the location of a third plurality of holes to be drilled in the third structure that correspond to first and second plurality of pre-drilled holes measured in the first and second structures, creating a program to drill the third plurality of holes in the third structure that align with the measured location and orientation of the first and second plurality of pre-drilled holes in the first and second structures based on the measure location and orientation of the first and second plurality of pre-drilled holes in the first and second structure, drilling the third plurality of holes in the third structuType: GrantFiled: January 25, 2017Date of Patent: March 2, 2021Assignee: The Boeing CompanyInventors: Craig A. Charlton, Branko Lakic, Jerald A. Hull, Christopher A. Greer, Justin H. Pratt
-
Patent number: 10633117Abstract: A system for moving first and second fuselage structures into assembly alignment, the system including a first transmitter indexed to a first seat track of the first fuselage structure, a first reflector target indexed to a first seat track of the second fuselage structure, a second transmitter indexed to a second seat track of the first fuselage structure, a second reflector target indexed to a second seat track of the second fuselage structure, wherein the first and second transmitters and the first and second reflector targets cooperate to provide first and second measurements indicative of position of the first fuselage structure relative to the second fuselage structure, and a manipulator system including at least one assembly actuator coupled to the first fuselage structure to move the first fuselage structure into assembly alignment with the second fuselage structure based upon the first and second measurements.Type: GrantFiled: October 3, 2017Date of Patent: April 28, 2020Assignee: The Boeing CompanyInventors: Jake A. Wilson, Craig A. Charlton, Andrew M. Huckey, Mark E. Nestleroad
-
Patent number: 10427376Abstract: Ergonomic puncture-resistant pads are disclosed. An example disclosed herein includes a first layer configured to be adjacent a person and to conform to the person; a second layer coupled to the first layer, the second layer configured to resist puncture; and a third layer coupled to the second layer, the third layer including a flexible support structure extending away from the second layer, the third layer configured to support the person and to conform to a shape of a surface supporting the person, the flexible support structure configured to contact the surface, the flexible support structure including cavities to receive at least one object protruding from the surface to isolate the person from the at least one protruding object.Type: GrantFiled: December 7, 2016Date of Patent: October 1, 2019Assignee: The Boeing CompanyInventors: Andrew Michael Huckey, Craig A. Charlton, Mark Edward Nestleroad, Jake Aspen Wilson
-
Publication number: 20190100333Abstract: A system for moving first and second fuselage structures into assembly alignment, the system including a first transmitter indexed to a first seat track of the first fuselage structure, a first reflector target indexed to a first seat track of the second fuselage structure, a second transmitter indexed to a second seat track of the first fuselage structure, a second reflector target indexed to a second seat track of the second fuselage structure, wherein the first and second transmitters and the first and second reflector targets cooperate to provide first and second measurements indicative of position of the first fuselage structure relative to the second fuselage structure, and a manipulator system including at least one assembly actuator coupled to the first fuselage structure to move the first fuselage structure into assembly alignment with the second fuselage structure based upon the first and second measurements.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 3, 2017Publication date: April 4, 2019Applicant: The Boeing CompanyInventors: Jake A. Wilson, Craig A. Charlton, Andrew M. Huckey, Mark E. Nestleroad
-
Patent number: 10207333Abstract: There is provided a tool assembly for transferring locations and dimensions of a pattern of holes from a first structure to a second structure. The tool assembly has a transfer plate with a transfer plate pattern of transfer plate holes that include a plurality of oversize holes and two transfer plate index holes. The transfer plate pattern is substantially identical to the pattern in the first structure. The tool assembly has one or more alignment elements installed in the plurality of oversize holes. Each alignment element has a through opening in a coaxial alignment with the oversize hole. The oversize hole allows formation of an alignment variation gap between an exterior of the alignment element and an inner wall of the oversize hole. The tool assembly has one or more holding elements coupled to the transfer plate, each with a central through opening in coaxial alignment with the oversize hole.Type: GrantFiled: August 14, 2016Date of Patent: February 19, 2019Assignee: The Boeing CompanyInventors: Mark E. Nestleroad, Craig A. Charlton, Jake A. Wilson, Andrew M. Huckey
-
Publication number: 20180208328Abstract: A method includes making a first structure with a first plurality of pre-drilled holes at pre-defined locations, making a second structure with a second plurality of pre-drilled holes at pre-defined locations, making a third structure without pre-drilled full-size holes, measuring the location and orientation of the first and second plurality of pre-drilled holes in the first and second structures, determining the location of a third plurality of holes to be drilled in the third structure that correspond to first and second plurality of pre-drilled holes measured in the first and second structures, creating a program to drill the third plurality of holes in the third structure that align with the measured location and orientation of the first and second plurality of pre-drilled holes in the first and second structures based on the measure location and orientation of the first and second plurality of pre-drilled holes in the first and second structure, drilling the third plurality of holes in the third structuType: ApplicationFiled: January 25, 2017Publication date: July 26, 2018Applicant: The Boeing CompanyInventors: Craig A. Charlton, Branko Lakic, Jerald A. Hull, Christopher A. Greer, Justin H. Pratt
-
Patent number: 10016820Abstract: Drill plate assemblies are disclosed in the examples herein. An example method includes positioning an absorbent material between a drill plate and a surface to be drilled; performing a drilling operation on the surface including flowing coolant through the drill; and capturing at least some of coolant in the absorbent material.Type: GrantFiled: February 9, 2016Date of Patent: July 10, 2018Assignee: The Boeing CompanyInventors: Jake A. Wilson, Andrew M. Huckey, Mark E. Nestleroad, Craig A. Charlton
-
Patent number: 9999971Abstract: A method, automated workstation, and computer system for automatically adjusting a workpiece to suit a particular operator is provided. An operator can be identified by scanning an identification badge, using facial recognition, or voice recognition. A physiological profile for the identified operator is then retrieved. A work station holding a workpiece is then automatically adjusted to set the workpiece at a height and/or orientation that is ergonomically beneficial for the operator.Type: GrantFiled: August 20, 2015Date of Patent: June 19, 2018Assignee: THE BOEING COMPANYInventors: Craig Charlton, Andrew Michael Huckey, Jake Aspen Wilson, Mark Edward Nestleroad
-
Publication number: 20180153308Abstract: Ergonomic puncture-resistant pads are disclosed. An example disclosed herein includes a first layer configured to be adjacent a person and to conform to the person; a second layer coupled to the first layer, the second layer configured to resist puncture; and a third layer coupled to the second layer, the third layer including a flexible support structure extending away from the second layer, the third layer configured to support the person and to conform to a shape of a surface supporting the person, the flexible support structure configured to contact the surface, the flexible support structure including cavities to receive at least one object protruding from the surface to isolate the person from the at least one protruding object.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 7, 2016Publication date: June 7, 2018Inventors: Andrew Michael Huckey, Craig A. Charlton, Mark Edward Nestleroad, Jake Aspen Wilson
-
Patent number: 9981367Abstract: Method and apparatus for aligning fastener holes of two components. An alignment fixture includes two mating fixtures. Each mating fixture includes a reference plate that is aligned to the fastener holes of one of the components. Each mating fixture also includes an alignment device. The alignment devices can be aligned with the respective reference plates such that the alignment between the reference plates and the fastener holes are transferred to the alignment devices. Once aligned, the alignment devices can be temporarily attached to the respective components at locations away from the fastener holes. The reference plates can then be removed. Thereafter, the components can be brought together such that mating features on the alignment devices engage. Engagement of the mating features aligns the two components such that the fastener holes on the components are aligned.Type: GrantFiled: July 7, 2015Date of Patent: May 29, 2018Assignee: THE BOEING COMPANYInventors: Mark Edward Nestleroad, Andrew Michael Huckey, William Shawn Whorton, Craig Charlton, Jake Aspen Wilson
-
Publication number: 20180043440Abstract: There is provided a tool assembly for transferring locations and dimensions of a pattern of holes from a first structure to a second structure. The tool assembly has a transfer plate with a transfer plate pattern of transfer plate holes that include a plurality of oversize holes and two transfer plate index holes. The transfer plate pattern is substantially identical to the pattern in the first structure. The tool assembly has one or more alignment elements installed in the plurality of oversize holes. Each alignment element has a through opening in a coaxial alignment with the oversize hole. The oversize hole allows formation of an alignment variation gap between an exterior of the alignment element and an inner wall of the oversize hole. The tool assembly has one or more holding elements coupled to the transfer plate, each with a central through opening in coaxial alignment with the oversize hole.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 14, 2016Publication date: February 15, 2018Inventors: Mark E. Nestleroad, Craig A. Charlton, Jake A. Wilson, Andrew M. Huckey
-
Publication number: 20170225240Abstract: Drill plate assemblies are disclosed in the examples herein. An example method includes positioning an absorbent material between a drill plate and a surface to be drilled; performing a drilling operation on the surface including flowing coolant through the drill; and capturing at least some of coolant in the absorbent material.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 9, 2016Publication date: August 10, 2017Inventors: Jake A. Wilson, Andrew M. Huckey, Mark E. Nestleroad, Craig A. Charlton
-
Publication number: 20170050308Abstract: A method, automated workstation, and computer system for automatically adjusting a workpiece to suit a particular operator is provided. An operator can be identified by scanning an identification badge, using facial recognition, or voice recognition. A physiological profile for the identified operator is then retrieved. A work station holding a workpiece is then automatically adjusted to set the workpiece at a height and/or orientation that is ergonomically beneficial for the operator.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 20, 2015Publication date: February 23, 2017Inventors: Craig CHARLTON, Andrew Michael HUCKEY, Jake Aspen WILSON, Mark Edward NESTLEROAD
-
Publication number: 20170008646Abstract: Method and apparatus for aligning fastener holes of two components. An alignment fixture includes two mating fixtures. Each mating fixture includes a reference plate that is aligned to the fastener holes of one of the components. Each mating fixture also includes an alignment device. The alignment devices can be aligned with the respective reference plates such that the alignment between the reference plates and the fastener holes are transferred to the alignment devices. Once aligned, the alignment devices can be temporarily attached to the respective components at locations away from the fastener holes. The reference plates can then be removed. Thereafter, the components can be brought together such that mating features on the alignment devices engage. Engagement of the mating features aligns the two components such that the fastener holes on the components are aligned.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 7, 2015Publication date: January 12, 2017Inventors: Mark Edward NESTLEROAD, Andrew Michael HUCKEY, William Shawn WHORTON, Craig CHARLTON, Jake Aspen WILSON
-
Publication number: 20140162533Abstract: Cutting tools and machining methods using cutting tools are disclosed. An example cutting tool comprises a shank and a head on the shank, the head comprising a diamond abrasive-coated cutting surface, the cutting head having grooves interrupting the cutting surface and extending from the cutting surface toward an axis of rotation of the head, the cutting surface having a substantially constant radius.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 17, 2014Publication date: June 12, 2014Applicant: The Boeing CompanyInventors: David Odendahl, Michael Parent, Alan Glasscock, Craig Charlton, Peter Bui, Loren Fiske, Danny Lee Beaman
-
Patent number: 8655480Abstract: An automated filler production method includes obtaining gap measurement data by measuring a gap between component parts of a structure, delivering the gap measurement data to a data collector function, monitoring incoming filler requirements, updating solid model definitions of the filler, creating portable Machine Control Data (MCD) using the gap measurement data in the form of the updated solid model, delivering the MCD to a filler machining center and machining a filler from a filler substrate using the MCD, while providing status updates as the data progresses through the filler machining process.Type: GrantFiled: January 10, 2011Date of Patent: February 18, 2014Assignee: The Boeing CompanyInventors: David Odendahl, Michael Parent, Alan Glasscock, Craig Charlton, Peter Bui, Loren Fiske, Danny Lee Beaman